I started sewing in earnest around 2002, and bought a used Brother PC8500 which I love. But then I started having trouble with it and bought a 2500D in 2008 (?). I decided not to sew anymore in 2012 and sold that machine. Realized I was stupid for doing that and bought the Janome 8900 last year. This year I decided I want the embroidery again and bought a DreamCreator VM5100.
I don't think I'll be buying another sewing machine for a while, but a long arm ... well, that's a different story ....